Manolis Studios

We (a couple) tried Kefalos for the first time (regular visitors to Kos) this year and picked the Manolis studios, just on a whim. Our stay was absolutely fine and we found lots of spectacular scenery, because the best beaches are round this side of the island. It isn't the best resort (Kefalos) for those with teenage (or thereabouts) kids who demand a lot of activities, as it's more an adult/seniors kind of vibe and you would need to hire a car to get them to the 'happening' places. However...if you walk up the hill and cross over by the Ikios hotel sign and walk down the drive, you get to THE most spectacular beach - Agios Stefanos, right across from Kastri island. Kastri itself (fifteen/twenty minutes walk away down the main road for the fit person) is a lovely sea-front place, with some nice hotels, tavernas etc Manolis was what you would expect from a small (14 apts), family-run studio block - well, what WE would expect! Others seem to think differently, apparently wanting four-star luxury at 2-star prices. Greek showers are always seen as too small, shower-curtains are awful; rooms too small (it's summer, why are you staying in the room???), too poorly-equipped, hot water insufficient (solar heating; shower earlier!) and seemingly no servants to meet their every whim. We went self-catering and cooked a perfectly fine meal every night on the two-ring wossname, had some nice snacks at the bar and found the owners perfectly nice - they do like to try teaching you some Greek! Yes, lots of older people go every year, but it's a nice place to stay; relaxed, chilling and clean. And Supermarket Jim is four minutes away and a must for your alcohol purchases, their cheese pies and veg!

We had a great 2 weeks stay at Manolis Studios. The rooms were basic but cleaned regularly and comfortable. The only downside was that the bathroom flooded every time we had a shower, so wet feet everytime we went into the bathroom. The air conditioning was good but if you want it, you need to pay extra and they seem to make the prices up as they go along. We went bed and breakfast and there wasn't much choice, egg on toast, beans on toast or toast with butter and jam. You can have coffee or orange juice but not both. There are plenty of sunbeds around the pool, it is however a public pool, and people come from the surrounding apartments to use it. The location was good, far enough out of the way to be quiet but close enough to get to the restaurants and bars. It takes about 25 minutes to walk down to the harbour but there are plenty of restaurants on the way down. Kefalos is a beautiful, laid back resort and we loved it. We have seen a lot of reviews about the friendliness of the hosts, however we had a different experience. We never found them particularly helpful or friendly. If you are a returning visitor it appears to be different and you are welcomed with open arms. We wanted to keep our room on the last day but was kept waiting until our last morning before telling us that we needed to be out by midday. The room however did not appear to be occupied right up to our departure at 6.30pm. It often felt as though you were putting them out when you needed serving at the bar. This was literally the only fault we had about Manolis Studios, we will return to Kefalos one day but won't be returning to the same accommodation.

Awesome place to stay - lovely family and apartments. Cleaned regularly and everything you need for your holiday. Air conditioning was fabulous. Amazing BBQ night hosted by the family. Superb location, close to all amenities. Hire a quad from Anna’s car rental and dcplore! Loved Manolis Studios.

We stayed here for 2 weeks in August we had a very relaxing holiday rooms were cleaned every couple of days pool area lovely no fighting for sunbeds at all there are plenty to go round as it’s a small family run complex The family are lovely nothing is a bother to them Friday night BBQ is a must really good value and grandmas stuffed vine leaves are wonderful good value at 13 euros Would definitely stay here again if you want to explore car hire is a must Thanks Babis and family for a lovely stay 😎

Definitely 2 ** but Clean enough. Rooms okay apart from being inundated by Ants on the balcony we were ground floor visits by Cockroaches on numerous occasions in the room& outside, bathroom from the 80;s in need of full referb small shower tray not much room to wash , which totally floods the whole bathroom floor. We went self catering asked to hire a toaster they do not provide this which is a must for self catering or it becomes expensive buying breakfast lunch dinner. Snack bar was not to bad basic prices varies I was astounded that 2pieces of toast and jam was €4.90, scrambled eggs €7.00 .If you buy drinks they tend to make up prices as they go one day they would be €8.00 then €7.00 depends who serves it. Plus side Pool was lovely and Clean and lots of sun beds and umbrellas take care on some as many are broken and held with cable ties. Slightly annoying that everyone used the pool from other apartments around there, many people there are returning visitors every year can be a bit clicky Reviews previously said the owners were friendly, We didn’t think they were that friendly sometimes an effort for him to get out his chair and serve a drink you always thought you were bothering him by asking one lady working always said Good morning but other than that you had to speak to them 1st. Long Walk to tavernas which are not many unless you walk for 30mins prices vary . Kos town 1 hr 45 to get to by bus great town Pharmacy 35 mins walk if you need one I highly recommend hiring a car to get you around as not much here and very barren. Jim the supermarket is Great 5 mins walk from apartment and he is very friendly and helpful ,you can get to the beach by Jim’s but not a very nice beach stones and shingles defo need beach shoes. Note Air Conditioning costs £65.00 extra cost a week

Overall, the place is nice. Yes, it is on the main road & is rather noisy. We went B&B. The breakfast consists of beans on toast, egg on toast, scrambled egg on toast, or continental breakfast (jam on toast) see photo. Tea, coffee, or juice ( orange) can't have both. Well, you can but at a price. The rooms are ok, not a lot of space to put clothes away. The shower worked, but after 7.30 pm the hot water had gone & so had the water pressure. The beds are lovely & hard also the rooms are clean. There are plenty of sunbeds, but other apartments nearby can use them as well as the pool. The bus service is really nonexistent. One bus into Kos in the morning 9.15 & to get back its about 2pm then 6pm & that's if they turn up. Jim's supermarket is 10 minutes away. Beach 20 minutes walk. Restaurants about 30-minute walk .

I pleased we weren't staying at this place. We used it a few times for pool area after walking back from village. To our studios. Didn't get the response like others have said for feeling welcome. If you dont mind lying round a pool with god knows how many topless women which i find totally unacceptable when so many young children about. And there was a male guest on his balcony looking over with nothing on. Everything on show. Have some respect

Although we did not stay at Manolis (full) we used the beautiful pool and pool bar every day. Babis and his family made us feel like family! Quiet, always numerous sunbeds, clean, great food, cold drinks and a fab barbeque night. We are coming back in October and staying at Manolis and we cannot wait!! Brilliant position close to Supermarket Jim and loads of tavernas and restaurants. 5 stars!!!! THANKYOU so much Rachael, Steven, Millie and Ellen

We had a really lovely time at the Manolis. Comfortable accommodation which is spotlessly clean with beautiful bed linen and towels. Cleaned rooms and change of linen several times. The gardens are pleasant and well maintained as are the pools. Snacks available throughout the day. The family are really lovely and helpful and several of the people we spoke to return to Manolis time and time again. No loud music thumping out all day, nice peaceful setting. Speaks for itself! Great place!